R.I.P. Mike of Sunrise Z

[AndysPlit]

I'm not sure if anyone has covered the untimely passing of Mike, the co-owner of Sunrise Z in Glendale, California. In any case I'd like to share my thoughts about the very sad news I heard today.

I called Sunrise to schedule a brake job appointment for my 96 300ZX. When I asked for Mike or Art, Chris had informed me of Mike's death which occurred a month ago. I have to admit that it was one of those moments where I had to pull the brakes in my world and take a moment to absorb the shock of it all.

Mike was one of the reasons I have remained a loyal customer to Sunrise for over ten years. He was in my experience one of the last honest mechanics. He was always very pleasant, knowledgeable, and had a way assure you that the job would get done. Mike knew his Z cars very well with nearly thirty years of experience. I believe he started at a Datsun dealership long ago.

For more selfish reason I lament the passing of Mike. Like the rest of you Zs are a passion of mine. I have owned three of them; Everything from an S30, Z31 and now my recently acquired Z32. Mike performed most of the work on all three....especially on the 78 280Z. He was the main caretaker of my baby. Nobody knew that car better than Mike.

There were times when I personally performed the maintenance on my cars. This was mostly due to financial reasons. Whenever I had a question about doing the repairs on my own Mike was just a call away. I remember I was in Northern California with my 280Z years ago. Suddenly she died on me. I called Mike out of desperation to see if there was anything I could do. I followed his instructions carefully and got her running in minutes. It seem like a miracle. That's just one of many examples I could share.

Sunrise Z itself is a different kind of experience while you wait for your car to be fixed. It's the type of place where you can sit down in the garage and enjoy a movie, video games, or even light a cigarette and chat. The times I made myself at home Mike was always in the background working on my car. My visits always ended with a mutual thanks and handshake with him. I will always remember his smile and how happy of a customer I felt each time.

The news of Mike hit me harder than I expected. He was a genuine man that played a vital role in one of my passions. I almost feel my 280Z will not be the same without his touch. I know that he taught Chris well and Art has always been great to work with too, but I think the guys would agree things will be different.

So this is my little tribute to Mike of Sunrise Z. May you rest in peace old friend. The checkered flag has been waved as you completed the final lap. We'll all miss you very much, but we'll see you at the finish line someday.

Andy

[motorman7]

Thanks for sharing....It's always hard to lose those who have been a great help to us. It is a sad loss.

Rich

[AndysPlit]

Indeed. He had routes back to the early days of these cars. He will be missed.

[OLDZCHOOL]

Thank you for sharing. Mike was a good professional and a better man... RIP MIKE

[AndysPlit]

I know he also trained Chris very well. So his leagcy continues.

[rjracin240]

Sorry to hear of his passing, whenever you hear of a Z enthusiast passing or getting hurt, because of our passion it does feel like family.

Who would have ever known when Mr. K brought over the 510 & Z the cult that was given birth to, Rest in Peace, Mike.

[tlorber]

Very nice write up. I did not know Mike, but I had spoken to him a few times before I bought my Z regarding things to watch out for, repairs/performance upgrades he would be able to do etc. He was always helpful and willing to answer questions. Hopefully Chris and Art will maintain the same culture.

[AndysPlit]

Very nice write up. I did not know Mike, but I had spoken to him a few times before I bought my Z regarding things to watch out for, repairs/performance upgrades he would be able to do etc. He was always helpful and willing to answer questions. Hopefully Chris and Art will maintain the same culture.

Yes, I spoke with Art this morning upon dropping off my car. He is committed to maintaining that culture as that was the key behind Sunrise's success. Chris learned from one of the best so we should still be in good hands.

Thanks for reading by the way. Mike was awesome and I'll never forget that guy.

[John Coffey]

Wow! I had no idea Mike had passed away.